The safest way to begin a groom on some very matted dogs is to shave them when they're still wet from the bath.The coat is more flexible and wet shaving doesn't cause the animal pain by pulling on the skin.

This is this puppy's first groom. She is a Maltese/Poodle mix. Her owners kept her clean and tried to keep her brushed, but this type of coat is very high maintenance.

She is only a few months old. This coat type sheds very little, but it grows profusely in a short time.

This is the first bath to condition and soak her coat completely to prepare it for shaving. A second bath and conditioning is given prior to the final trim.

Shaving the wet coat with the appropriate blade.

The initial wet shaving gives an extremely rough finish to the coat. This is how she looked after the second bath and fluff-drying prior to receiving the final trim. She is attached securely to the grooming arm for safety.

A pretty puppy! This sweet girl was just wonderful for her first groom. Luckily she was an incredibly patient and tolerant little dog. We look forward to seeing her again!